Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk took to social media on Tuesday to share his awe over the first Supermoon of 2024, describing it as amazing.
Stargazers have a celestial treat this week, as NASA announced that from Monday through Wednesday, the night sky will showcase a unique spectacle; a full moon that is both a Supermoon and a Blue Moon.
This rare alignment has garnered significant attention from astronomy enthusiasts.
Taking to X, Musk posted, “The Moon looks amazing,” highlighting the event’s visual splendor.
The Moon looks amazing https://t.co/FHXsC6TOgY
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2024
A Celestial Showcase; The Intersection Of Supermoon & Blue Moon
NASA explained that this Supermoon is particularly notable because the Moon is within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
The phenomenon will reach its peak visibility on Tuesday morning for observers across Asia, including India and Australia.
Contrary to what the name might suggest, a Blue Moon does not actually appear blue.
Instead, it refers to the third full Moon in a season that experiences four full Moons, a term first used in English in 1528.
Retired NASA Programme Executive Gordon Johnston noted that the term Blue Moon has described the second full Moon in a single month since the 1940s.
The concept of a Supermoon, coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, describes a new or full Moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth, intensifying its appearance.
2024 will see a series of Supermoons, with the next one, the Harvest Moon, occurring on 17 September.
This Supermoon will also be partially eclipsed, as part of it will pass through Earth’s shadow.
On 17 October, the Hunter’s Moon will be the closest full Moon of the year, and the final Supermoon of 2024 is on 15 November.
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